One of Ireland's most famed manors is noted for its picture-perfect perch on a hillock above the south shore of Bantry Bay. The fine Georgian mansion is surrounded by a series of stepped gardens and parterres that make up "the stairway to the sky." Spreading out below lies the bay and, in the far distance, the spectacular range of the Caha Mountains—one of the great vistas of Ireland. Built in the early 1700s and altered and expanded later that century, the manor became the ancestral seat of the White family from that period. The decor of the house was largely the vision of Richard White, 2nd Earl of Bantry, whose father---having hailed from farming stock---had secured extensive land as a thank-you for supporting England when Irish and French rebel forces failed in their bid for Ireland's freedom. Richard traveled extensively throughout Europe and brought a lot back to Ireland with him: fabulous Aubusson tapestries said to have been commissioned by Louis XV adorn the Rose Drawing Room, while state portraits of England's King George III and Queen Charlotte glitter in floridly, flamboyant rococo gilt frames in the Wedgwood blue--and-gold dining room. Never shy about capitalizing on the flow of history, he acquired an antique or two thought to have belonged to Marie Antoinette—sometime after her execution in 1793. Throughout the famine years in the mid-18th century the estate carried out extensive manual work. After Irish independence the house was used as a hospital during the Irish Civil War from 1922 and later the estate was occupied by the Irish Army.
Outside, the drama continues in the garden terraces, set with marble statues, framed by stone balustrades, and showcasing such delights as an embroidered parterre of dwarf box trees. The tearoom serves light lunches, and features local artisanal foods. In summer the house hosts concerts in the grand library, notably the West Cork Chamber Music Festival (held during the first week of July). The house also doubles as a B&B.
